Learn how to single crochet with this step-by-step photo and video tutorial. In this article, I also cover some common questions on the single crochet along with some tips.

The single crochet stitch is commonly abbreviated in patterns as “sc” and is the perfect stitch for beginners to learn how to crochet. As a matter of fact, it’s the easiest stitch to learn for absolute beginners.

Aside from the chains and slip stitches, the American or US single crochet (as demonstrated in this tutorial), is the shortest stitch in crochet.

A swatch made with single crochet stitches.

But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the stitch! It’s a beautiful stitch that you can incorporate into almost any kind of project.

Are the Single Crochet and Slip Stitch The Same?

No. There is a difference between a slip stitch and a single crochet.

A slip stitch is when you wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through all the loops on the hook. The slip stitch is commonly used to join rounds and finished crochet squares.

The single crochet on the other hand has height to it.

To sum it up, the stitch is made by inserting your hook into your work. Then wrap the yarn over and pull the yarn through your work, but not through the loop that is on your hook. This leaves two loops on the hook. Then to complete the stitch, wrap the yarn over again an pull through both loops on the hook.

Infographic showing how to single crochet

What is single crochet in UK?

Would it surprise you to find out that the UK does not have a stitch that is worked the same as it is in this tutorial? Instead, their single crochet is the same as the American double crochet.

What does a single crochet decrease mean?

A single crochet decrease is also known as a single crochet two together, which is abbreviated as sc2tog. It’s basically a single crochet that is worked over two stitches below to make a decrease in your stitch count.

To make the decrease, insert your hook into the first stitch. Wrap the yarn over and pull through. Next, insert your hook into the next stitch. Wrap the yarn over and pull through. You should have three loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over again and pull through all the loops on the hook.

What does a single crochet increase mean?

This is simply when you work two or more single crochet stitches into the same stitch below in order to increase your stitch count.

Why does my single crochet curl?

Tension is a primary reason if your work curls. Most likely it’s too tight, so loosening up a bit or using a larger hook can often solve the problem.

If your work curls in the first row of single crochets, it could be that your foundation chains are too tight. A solution to that is to use a larger hook for the chains.

Can You Single Crochet a Blanket?

Absolutely! Here’s how!

First, make a gauge swatch using the same hook and yarn that you want to use for the blanket.
Measure your gauge to determine how many stitches you have per inch.
Head over to this Crochet Blanket Sizes Chart to see what you want as your final measurements.
Then, take the measurement you want for your blanket and multiply that by the number of stitches per inch. That gives you the number of chains that you need to start with.
Lastly, begin working in rows of single crochets. Begin each row with a chain stitch to obtain the height of a single crochet. Some patterns will use that chain as the first stitch, but I generally do not.

How to Make a Single Crochet Edging

A single crochet edging can do wonders in straightening out any rough edges.

It’s also a good foundation around the edge if you plan on doing a fancy border. The reason being is that the stitch is small and therefore, it’s easy to manipulate the correct amount of stitches that you may need before you begin your border.

To make the edging, simply single crochet evenly around your work so that it doesn’t pucker or cause the edges to become stretched out. Then as for your corners; work three stitches into each corner in order for them to lay flat. If you do less, the corners may curl.

What does single crochet look like from the Right side.

The right side is the side that faces you when you crochet in the round without turning. It gives you a nice clean look. It’s a simple stitch that looks great in amigurumi and so many other projects!

What does the single crochet look like from the wrong side.

I always prefer the right side, but the wrong side is not to shabby for this stitch.

It looks great when worked in rows where you have both sides, the front and back of the stitch, showing. But you can also work it in the rounds like in this single crochet beanie for a cozy winter hat.

How to Single Crochet

The single crochet tutorial below demonstrates how to make the stitch using a medium worsted weight yarn and an H crochet hook; but you can use any yarn and hook size to practice.

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Skill Level

Beginner

Abbreviations

Sc = Single Crochet

Brief Overview

Insert hook in stitch indicated, wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through. Yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.

Instructions

How to Make the Single Crochet

To make the single crochet stitch, you simply insert your hook into the next stitch or chain.
Wrap your yarn over the hook.
Pull the yarn through. You should have two loops on the hook.
Wrap your yarn over again.
Pull through both loops on the hook. And that's it! The single crochet is complete:

How to Single Crochet Into a Chain

To get started, make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
Then, make a series of chains, known as the foundation chain. To make a chain, simply wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through.
Here is the back view of the chains.
Single crochet into the second chain from the hook. The skipped chain may or may not count as your first stitch; depending on the pattern you're working on. I normally do not count this as a stitch. So if my patterns do not specify, then this skipped chain does not count as a stitch.
Also, you have the option to go under just the top loop, or under the top two loops. Either way, it doesn't matter as long as you are consistent.
With the v's facing, I went in under the top two loops. You can also crochet into the back bumps.
Then complete the stitch. Wrap the yarn over and pull through. Two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
Repeat the process until all the chains have been worked into and your first row of single crochet stitches is complete. Then chain one at the end to make your turning chain. This chain may count as a stitch, depending on the pattern. And again, if my patterns do not specify, this chain one does not count as a stitch.
Once your work is turned, single crochet into the first stitch.
If you count your turning chain as your first stitch, work your first single crochet into the second stitch. Then complete the row, working one single crochet into each stitch across.

Single Crochet in the Round

You can single crochet in a magic ring if you want to work a project in the round. The concept is the same, but here are a few images to help.
First step in making a magic ring is to wrap the yarn around your fingers.
Then pull up a loop with the working yarn.
Next step is to make a chain one. This secures the loop and also brings your hook up to the height of the single crochet stitch.
Then insert your hook into the loop, and work the single crochet as outlined above… Wrap the yarn over and pull through. Two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
Then continue to single crochet into the circle until you have the number of stitches that you need.
With the tail end, pull tight.
Now it's time to join the round.
Insert your hook into the first single crochet stitch that you made. Wrap the yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook.
Round one is complete.
To begin round two, chain one. This may or may not count as your first stitch. I prefer not to, and unless my patterns say otherwise, this chain does not count as a stitch.
Next, single crochet into the same stitch as where you made the join.
And because we are working in the round, we need to increase in order to keep our work flat. So we are going to work another single crochet into the same stitch as where we made the join.
In the first round, continue to work two single crochets into each stitch around.
Then join the round as above, and begin your new round making increases in each new round to keep things flat. A basic rule when it comes to increasing, is that if you start with eight single crochet in the magic ring, then you increase by eight stitches in each round. If you start with twelve stitches, you increase each round by twelve. Regardless of how big you make your circle, this rule generally keeps things flat.